I think its a solid 7-8/10.
Even after almost 1.5 years since the last general direct, I doubt Nintendo was gonna stray from their usual format of announcing games at certain periods of time. I did not expect the world and the show was pretty much what I expected. Some neat surprises and updates of current and upcoming games. They did mostly what they said they would, focus on games coming in the first half of 2021 (with some coming in July and August). Showing a couple of 2022 games was like a little extra frosting and sprinkles on a cake.
What did surprise me is that they actually teased Splatoon 3 for next year, in February 2021. Some of their first party games that they announced around this time of year would usually release later in the year. Luigi's Mansio 3, Yoshi's Crafted World, and ACNH were announced in the middle of their respective years and would release the following year.
Otherwise, solid reveals, some interesting games. I get that some are kinda turned off on so many ports, but what can you do when it comes to third party developers? At least there are new third party games coming like NMH3, Project Triangle Strategy, Samurai Warriors 5, and Bravely Default II. Again, the pandemic is still something to consider when talking about game releases. I knew that they were gonna still provide that PSA before the presentation.
I know some will not like the direct due to the fact they didn't show other games like Bayo 3 or BotW 2 or announce titles heavily rumored like 2D Metroid. You're more than welcome to be disappointed, but I don't think this means doom and gloom for Nintendo and the Switch. The titles were just no your taste. It doesn't take away from the fact that there's a lot to look forward to for the console. They'll announce more games when they're ready to do so, like more info on BotW2.
Some highlights for me were:
- Pyra/Mythra coming to Smash Ultimate. I had a feeling that something like this was possible, but I wasn't sure what Sakurai wanted to do with Rex. Still, as a Xenoblade fan, I am very pleased with their inclusion. More female representation and its great that Xenoblade 2 gets something more than music and a Rex costume in a game that is basically a Nintendo (plus third party partners) Hall-of-Fame.
- Famicom Detective Club finally coming West. A neat surprise. Awesome to have cult classics remade and released to the West for the first time.
- Mario Golf: Super Rush. I love golf and was a fan of Mario Golf 64 (never played Toadstool Tour or the GB/GBA games). A story mode and a unique speed golf mode looks fun.
- Project Triangle Strategy. Square Enix does it again. I guess with the success of Octopath Traveler, it was inevitable that another game in the style of Octopath would be in development. Pretty cool that they're focusing on the FE/FFTactics style of games in this project. Will try out the demo later.
- NMH3. Looks absolutely bonkers, but in a good way. Looking forward to it in August.
- Neon White looks interesting.
- Just waiting for Monster Hunter Rise and Bravely Default II to come out.
- Will definitely get the Ninja Gaiden Master Collection.
- Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity getting an expansion pass. Not a surprise, but nice to know its coming.
- Zelda: Skyward Sword HD. Really cool that Skyward Sword will get another shot in the spotlight. I liked what I played on Wii, but couldn't finish it due to focusing on other things. The new features like optional button or motion controls, 60fps, HD graphics, etc. are nice to have. The Joy Cons are awesome and I doubt I will be able to get one. I can see these Joy Cons sell out fast.
- Splatoon 3. A great surprise and it says a lot that Nintendo wanted it to end the show. A new IP on Wii U that a few thought it wouldn't amount to much (a couple even comparing it to the Wonderful 101) ends up being a phenomenon in Japan and still performing well throughout the rest of the world. Guess the dev team was ready to bring in new ideas to create a new game.
Overall, I can't really complain. I'm glad the general direct is back and, again, I was not expecting the world in this presentation. I know more games are going to be announced in the future and my backlog of games is already too much. I can't be too greedy for Switch content because there's so much for me to play already and to look forward to in the near and far future.
